Development Journey of Pakistan from 1947 to 2022;

Lessons Learnt viz-a-viz other Countries

Introduction:

The struggle begun by India’s dynamic Muslim Leadership in pursuit of an

independent republic bore the fruit on 14th August, 1947, with the emergence of Pakistan. This
segregation was a historical victory for Muslims in sub-continent in regaining their sovereignty
in the region which they had lost on the hands of British Imperialists. Albeit this day recuperated
Muslims as a nation, but it also tempted specifically the hitherto leaders in the corridor of power
and generally the newly born nation of a fledgling country. The Problems that separation
inflicted deemed solemn and even questioned the survival, but the mettle and determination of
Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s tenacity and conviction did not falter.

Embarking the journey:

Creators of Pakistan, the members of All India Muslim League faced numerous
challenges to consolidate the weak and nascent state of Pakistan. Immigrants’ rehabilitation,
division of assets, lack of workable system for running the affairs of state, framing the
constitution, economic growth, lack of capital, issue of princely states, etc. were among the
gravest issues being faced by the hitherto government. Muhammad Ali Jinnah was appointed as
the first Governor General of Pakistan, who despite his failing health lead the nation with
profound compassion. During his 13th month reign, tireless efforts were carried out to
transmogrify Pakistan to a competitor of its counter parts on the road of development. Just a
month after its independence, Jinnah’s prudence made Pakistan become the member of United
Nations Organization on 30 September, 1947. Copious refugees almost 17 million in number
were settled with the aid of alms given by the locals. People’s spirit was very high as majority of
the population gave alms and helped the refugees. The issue of princely states like Kashmir was
raised on the platform of UN Security Council and was also regarded as the first diplomatic win
of this country.

Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s obituary was announced on September 11, 1948. The
interregnum was prevented by the then premier Nawabzadah Liaqat Ali Khan who didn’t leave a
single stone unturned to secure a better Pakistan for the public and the posterity. Liaqat Ali Khan
was the first premier to visit United States and addressed the people of Uncle Sam about the
ideology of Pakistan and the necessities which led to its creation. Under his dynamic leadership,
Pakistan joined CEATO and SENTO treaties which fortified the image and diplomatic relations
of Pakistan. Understanding the condition of Pakistan, both Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Liaqat Ali
Khan urged the civil servants and government officials to live a life of austerity. Both of them,
took countrywide tours to raise the spirit of the nation and when the calamity of Kashmir fell,
Muhammad Ali Jinnah prepared Mujahidins to fight the fray in Kashmir and consequently a two-
third of the Kashmir was liberated before India plead to the security council. Their valiant efforts
and bold stances set a future roadmap for the posterity of Pakistan.

Despite these efforts, Pakistan needed more stability, capital, strong arsenals, and
an indigenous constitution. However, Pakistan had embarked its developmental journey but the
road ahead was uneven and tempting. The efforts initiated by Quad-e-Azam and Liaqat Ali Khan
put Pakistan on track, but during its journey many impediments blocked its way to progress and
prosper. The developmental history of Pakistan has been accompanied by incessant political
instability followed by military coup d’états. In addition to these, Pakistan has paid a heavy cost
in shape of four wars due to hostile policies of its neighbor India. The whole journey of Pakistan
starting from 1947 till now can be sequestered into various sections like constitutional
development, economic development, military skirmishes, foreign policy and its resilience.

Constitutional Development:

Constitution of 1956:

Pakistan had to dwell nearly a decade in a constitutional interregnum. There was

no drafting of an indigenous constitution till 1956. Albeit, it was a prime motto of Founder of the
Nation Muhammad Ali Jinnah, but the scenario of newly born state could not produce favorable
conditions for it. Initially, the Government of India Act 1935 was enacted as the constitution of
Pakistan after few amendments. But a self-written constitution was needed to practice the
ideology on which this nation was built. To meet this end, a constituent assembly was concocted
under the Independence Act and was entrusted the responsibility to write the constitution. The
first Constituent Assembly originally had 69 members but later this number increased to 79.

The first major contribution towards it took place on 12 March, 1949, when a
resolution called Objectives Resolution was passed. It was moved by Liaqat Ali Khan and was
laid as the foundation of the constitution. It further took seven years to write the first
constitution, which was adopted by the legislation on 29 February 1956 and was enforced on 23 rd
March 1956. This constitution provided for a parliamentary form of government with a
unicameral legislature. It was a colossal move in the history of Pakistan. Pakistan was now an
Islamic Republic under the constitution and it remained functional until 7 October 1958, when
President Iskandar Mirza orchestrated first coup d’état and gave the reigns of corridor of power
to General Ayub Khan.

Constitution of 1962:

First constitution lost its effect with promulgation of martial law by Iskandar
Mirza just two years after its enforcement. He paved the way to presidency for General Ayub
Khan who overthrew him immediately after holding the office. To avoid anarchy, a constituent
commission was convened on Feb 17, 1960 which primarily consisted of 10 members, five each
from East and West Pakistan. The commission drafted a report and presented it to hitherto
president. On its approval by the cabinet of Ayub Khan, it was enforced on March 1, 1962. This
constitution contained 250 articles secluded into 12 parts and had three schedules. It provided a
presidential system of government as opposed to its predecessor. It also procured an electoral
college which was responsible for electing the president. It contained 80,000 members with
equal representation of East and West Pakistan. One Unit system was devised which divided
Pakistan into two semi-autonomous provinces East Pakistan and West Pakistan. Though this
constitution was an attempt to bridge the gap created by abrogation of the former constitution,
but met a fate similar to the first constitution owing to coup d’état of President Iskandar Mirza.

Constitution of 1973:

This is third and also the incumbent doctrine of Pakistan. It was drafted in 1973
by the cabinet of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. Its draft was written until 10 April and after ratifications it
was imposed on 14 August, 1972. It procures a bicameral legislature with executive rights lying
in the hand of the prime minister of the country, while the president is a ceremonial head of the
state. It contains six articles and so far, has proven to be most successful among three written
constitutions of the Pakistan. Though it saw two martial laws but it remained in effect. More than
35 amendments have been made in this constitution which is semi-rigid in nature. Parliament
cannot pass a law unless it is agreed upon by the two-third majority of the parliament. It is the
apex law of our state and guides our countries’ statecraft.
 A constitution guides a nation and reflects its respect for the supremacy of law.
That is why Misaq -e- Madinah was written to ensure the safety of every citizen of the state,
when Muslims of Makkah laid the foundation of state of Madinah. Pakistan was made to practice
Islamic laws with freedom, that is why Objective resolution was made a prologue in all three
doctrines. We the people of Pakistan have a responsibility to respect our law and practice the
power within the commandment of Allah Almighty.

Economic Development:

There is a maxim that the state of a country’s economy relies heavily on its
history and historical experience. And so was the case of Pakistan. Pakistan inherited a miserable
economy after independence due to unequal distribution of assets. It only received 34 industrial
units that too in pathetic conditions as compared to the 921 industrial units in India. Muhammad
Ali Jinnah took bold steps in this regard and gave a push to the fledgling economy. He laid the
foundation of State Bank of Pakistan along with other banks.

Economic Planning in light of Five-Year Plans

The major step towards boosting the economy was the introduction of Five-Year
Development Programs which commenced from 1955. During the first two programs, Pakistan
progressed by heaps and bounds. Development of rural and agricultural sector was given
importance as Pakistan is an agrarian economy. During these plans a major part of funds were
procured for the development of water and power resources. These initiatives anchored the
economy as it saw a significant increase in GDP until 1965. These Five-Year Development
programs remained operable till 1998 after which annual economy plans were adopted.

Economy of Pakistan met the first fiasco in form of 1965 war against its arch rival
India. Spurred from the marshy area of Rann and Katch it prevailed to the eastern frontier and
pushed the country into menace of war. It was a big blow to our thriving economy that Pakistan
kept on reeling. It further staggered during the 1971 fray, which was grave in magnitude and lead
to an unfortunate bifurcation of motherland. Our economy furnished best during all military
regimes because of the aid Pakistan received during these regimes. It is due to the heavy
financial aid the Pakistan received during these governments.
 CPEC- A Game Changer for Pakistan:

During the debate apropos the economy of Pakistan, significance of CPEC can
not be neglected. It can be regarded as the game changer for Pakistan. It is an initiative of
People’s Republic of China with the Pakistan as one of the branch of its Belt and Road Initiative
(BRI). It brought 62 billion dollars of capital for investment. Its major projects are roads, railway
tracks, building industries, airports, commercial cities and commercial zones along the route of
CPEC. Though there are many implications to its feasibility but its pros outwit its cons. It will
improve not only our economy but also our infrastructure and foreign policy.

Problems and Remedies for our Economic Growth:

It is a poignant reality that Pakistan saw political stability intermittently and that
too for a short time. Bad Governance is another factor responsible for holding back our
economy.

Major Concerns:

 Failure to raise domestic resources to sponsor development.

 Inability to break from the past and adopt policies and strategies that
would realize the country’s potential.
 Weak Governance.

Remedies:

 We should adopt long term policies like CPEC to consolidate our

economy.
 Political Stability.
 Strengthening the domestic industries.

Military Contributions for Pakistan:

Pakistan has one of the largest armies in the world. Pakistan Army is one of the
most disciplined and developed institution of the state. It has played a major role towards not
only the survival but also shaping its foreign policy. When Pakistan came into being, due to lack
of resources and officials, British generals were given the cane of command of Army, Air Force
and Navy. Soon after creation, it met its first ordeal when India illegally annexed Kashmir.
Pakistan Army under the command of Sir Douglas Gracey went into the fray and freed almost
two-third of the Kashmir. Army of this country has fought four battles against its hostile
neighbor and also has the efficiency of WMDs. Besides these wars, it is also fighting the War on
Terror since 2001 after the incident of 9/11 attack in the New York Twin Tower. It is the only
army in the world which has made sacrifice of more than 80,000 soldiers and has paid a huge
price in an internal war against terrorism that has been lingering for more than two decades.

Despite a large number of wars and upheavals, Pakistan was able to develop its
indigenous Nuclear Weapons to fortify its sovereignty in the region. Pakistan Army is the largest
contributor to UNO peace programs. More than 70 women officers of Pak Army are serving in
UNO with distinction. Other than these, Pakistan Military has held the corridor of power for
more than three decades. When USSR invaded Afghanistan in 1979, Pakistan joined the Uncle
Sam to crush the Russian expedition. Finally, in 1988 during Geneva Pact Russia surrendered
and pledged to call its troops back and Pakistan met another strategic and diplomatic triumph.
Pakistan Army is an important institution of the state along with other institutions. It has paid a
huge cost for sustaining peace in our country. Hence, we should always encourage the steps that
consolidate our institutions and we should prioritize national interests over vested interests for
the betterment of our motherland.

Foreign Policy:

‘Neither Hawks nor Doves’ has been the crux of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy. Since
its inception, it has emphasized the importance of having good relations with other nations of the
world. It has cordial relations with many countries like China, Turkey, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia,
particularly the Muslim World and other countries in general. Pakistan has always supported all
the nations who are struggling for freedom. When the Zionist state of Israel was established in
1948, Pakistan condemned it, and raised its voice for the native people of Palestine at the
international forum and still continues to do so. It has always stood up with the people of
Kashmir and took this matter to UN Security Council, but unfortunately the stipulated plebiscite
could not take place due to partisan policies of India.

Role of Pakistan for uniting the Muslim World:

Geographically, Pakistan lies in the center of Muslim World from Indonesia to

Morocco. It has played a key role in the Muslim World. Pakistan has a brilliant record of
upholding and pleading the cause of Muslims fighting for their liberation in Palestine, Kashmir,
Cyprus, Eritrea and Bosnia. This support was moral as well as diplomatic. It is an important
member of the OIC and has a key role in its formation.

Lessons Learnt:

When Pakistan embarked its journey, the world was divided into Communist and
Capitalist Blocks. Though Pakistan remained neutral and joined Non-Aligned Movement. Liaqat
Ali Khan decided to visit US when he had received a message of felicitation from USSR and US
as well. After his visit to United States, USSR declared Pakistan a partisan state and turned its
policies towards India. It created a rift between two countries. Relations with Russia became
more worse after USSR’s intrusion in Afghanistan, forcing Pakistan to form an ally with US to
quell its expansion. Though it caused a lot of financial aid in Pakistan, but we have paid a huge
price in shape of War on Terror due to these polices. Furthermore, China and Japan became
independent along with Pakistan and bewildered the world with its economic growth by adopting
a policy of no foreign interest. History bears evidence and common sense supports it, that peace
is unattainable if two parties continue fighting with each other. Melancholically, Pakistan had to
defend itself from its neighbor for four times, which proved to be a menace for its prosperity and
progress.

Pakistan: A state of resilience

Despite below par governance and meager economic growth, whenever a

calamity fell on Pakistan whether in the form of war or a natural disaster like earthquake of 2005
and massive flood in 2010, Pakistan showed resilience which not only helped it tackle the
contingency but also bounce back. A progressing economy met the fiasco of war in 1965 and 6
years later an unfortunate bifurcation in 1971. Though Pakistan staggered due to these incidents,
but it was able to become a nuclear power despite all the international pressure and strengthen its
sovereignty. We as a nation have gone through ups and downs and need to halt and think what
we have gained and lost on the other hand. Where are we lagging behind the other nations, what
rectifications are mandatory. Vested interests are trivial as compared to the national interests. We
should prioritize national interests like our forefathers and work with diligence to contribute
towards the betterment of our country and humanity.